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Read Full BioTwo lions that were rescued from a casino on the Thai-Cambodian border have been renamed Merry and Christmas after arriving at a sanctuary on December 25.
The animals were discovered along with three Asiatic bears at the Thmor Da Casino located along the Thai-Cambodian border. A Secret China report claims the animals were used to torture and kill casino patrons who did not pay their debts.
After being rescued, the animals arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Ratchaburi on December 25. Staff named the female lion Merry and the male lion Christmas to mark the occasion and said they hoped the animals could find a happier future in their new home.
From Photo Props To Torture Instruments
Investigators believe the animals were initially used as babies to lure gamblers into the casino, offering photo opportunities. However, when they reached adulthood, the casino used them to intimidate customers, threatening them with violence.
The animals were reportedly starved, with some witnesses describing them as ‘half-alive’. Thai authorities said the animals were “severely emaciated, with their ribs visible, and appeared to have suffered from dehydration and starvation for an extended period, bringing them to a critical condition.”
The casino owner Chen Zhi allegedly starved the animals deliberately to bring on a frenzied state. Witnesses say victims often collapsed instantly when forced into cages with the animals, and others were mauled to death.
Chinese Gambling Tycoons Facing International Prosecution
In October, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Chen with wire fraud and money laundering as the alleged mastermind of a sprawling cyber-fraud and scam network.
Prosecutors allege he ran extensive illegal operations in Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries. When indicting the 38-year-old, authorities seized $16 billion worth of bitcoin, one of the largest digital asset forfeitures in history.
Despite being indicted, Chen has yet to be arrested and remains at large. Another gambling kingpin, She Zhijiang, was arrested by Thai authorities and extradited to China earlier this year. She was similarly accused of operating a widespread criminal network involving scam centres and illegal gambling.
Thai-Cambodia Conflict Exposes Illegal Activities
As the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia intensified recently, the casino was destroyed by the Thai military. Earlier this month, two bombs were dropped on Poipet, a casino hub further north on the border between the two countries.
As well as housing casinos, the border towns allegedly operate scam centres and several illegal businesses. The Thai military says they are also used as military bases, drone command centers, and weapons storage facilities.
It is unclear if the Cambodian military was aware that wild animals were being used for torture purposes at the Throm Da casino. The two countries agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday, but Thailand accused Cambodia of violating the agreement on Sunday.
